Analysis of up-scaling small-bore sewer systems (India)

Overtime, the pioneering of non-conventional sewerage systems such as simplified, condominium and small-bore sewerage have become prominent in order to avoid the conservative design standards that had been adopted for conventional sewerage which made them expensive. The research aimed to develop a methodology to assess the feasibility of wider use of small-bore sewer systems in India. It also focused on analysing mechanisms that support or constrain Warangal city in Telangana state of India in implementing the technology. From the identified barriers, the research proposed wider measures to be undertaken by India to remove the obstacles and enhance adoption of small-bore sewerage technology. Field visits, focus group discussions, surveys and interviews were utilised as the means for primary data collection. From the data collected, the design of small-bore sewerage of two informal settlements was done to compare the outcome to similar implemented systems globally. Analysis of data showed that small-bore sewerage is implemented majorly to enhance sanitation coverage and improve the lifestyle of the communities. The key factors that determine project implementation were physical factors for the site and capital finance. It was also established that prime beneficiaries of the projects are users of the system, sanitation authorities and regulators and operators of the implemented project. The main constrains in implementing the technology in India were observed to be the inadequacy of professional capacities at local authority level and a lack of adequate publicity of the technology. This could be countered by enhanced advocacy to leadership, professionals and communities.